In the last chapters of this book I found more inspiring
stories, and was able to look at things from a different perspective. Again I think that a lot of these concepts
are ones that we hear about often, and should remember to work into our
lives. The Zander’s stories and words
make me think of my own experiences and my family and students. I think of ways that their stories could help
others and how one person can actually make a difference.
Something that stood out to me was that some things are
better done in person. With the
technology that we have now there are a lot of things that are left to
computers and phones. People barely have
to go outside if they don’t want to.
There are times in life when doing something in person is the better
way. This shows that you actually care and are willing to take the extra mile
to make something work.
Another piece I liked was when Ben Zander brought students
from the US to England to study for a year.
I thought this was such a great way for them to learn. The stories they heard from his father and
other experts in the field will be something they will likely remember their
entire lives. What a great experience
for students to be able to share with others!
I think if more students were able to learn in this authentic way they
would have a larger passion for learning and continue on into adulthood.
Ben and Roz Zander are great at sharing experiences in their
lives that are easy to relate to. From
the teacher who shaved her head for a student, to the last words of a fifteen
year old girl to her brother, they are inspiring and good reminders of what we
should strive to be.
I couldn’t agree more, Jessica. This book is definitely about changing your perspective. The Zanders have an interesting way of weaving their philosophies into a story by teaching through parables. Their personal stories added meaning to what they are trying to convey throughout the book. I loved the part about the American students studying through actually talking to people and listening to what they had to say. What a rare opportunity! If we could all do that even on a smaller scale, learning would come naturally and authentically.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that technology has hindered the human experience a bit. I love technology but sometimes it gets in the way of true human contact. Even phone calls are rare these days. I learn about what my friends are up to by looking at their Facebook page when I used to call them to see how they are. My friend and I always joke that we are going to have an Anti-Facebook party where we all get together in the same room and tell each other in person what is going on in our lives. We also make an effort to actually call each other often. Both of us tend to do more texting with our phones than actually speaking to someone on it. One of my other friends “forces” her daughter to actually call her friends about something instead of texting or Facebooking. I think we have to get back to that face to face connection to truly communicate with one another.
Excellent reflection on the reading. In this day and age it is so important that our connections are "real." But it's not just about meeting person to person, 'cause we all have been in meetings that have been a huge waste of time. So it's not even enough to meet person-to-person, but to be personal, which can be done via technology... but one has to be aware of what is needed... to be present.
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